‘Silly’ wage demands led to Mick McCarthy pulling the plug on transfer deadline day deal

Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy has explained why he pulled the plug on a signing that he had been trying to make ahead of last night’s transfer deadline.

The Blues boss had said earlier in the day that he was ‘hopeful’ of signing a midfield replacement for Ryan Tunnicliffe after the loanee was recalled by parent club Manchester United and sold to Fulham.

Although he would not name the player, it’s understood the target was Leeds United’s out-of-favour Paul Green – the 30-year-old Irishman having not been on the bench at his employers since November 9.

Asked what had happened in the lead-up to the 11pm deadline, McCarthy – who didn’t speak to the player directly – explained: “Listen, it was just getting silly in terms of the amount wanted in terms of wages. I turned around and said ‘no – just let them sit in the stands, I ain’t bothered’.

“I said to Sally (club secretary) ‘go home’ and I turned my phone off.”

Ipswich had just 16 fit first team outfield players available for today’s 1-0 home win over Bolton, with Jay Tabb and Stephen Hunt (both previously used as left wingers) starting in the middle and Anthony Wordsworth replacing Cole Skuse after he suffered concussion following a clash of heads in the first half.

“We can sign loan players for 93 days next week and that will cover us until the end of the season,” added McCarthy.

– For more on this story, see Monday’s EADT.